Cost of Living in Coos County, New Hampshire
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Coos County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Coos County ranks #2,458 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 22%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Coos County, New Hampshire
Coos County offers exceptional housing value
Coos County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio and $843/month median rent represent some of the lowest housing costs in New England. However, the median income of $58,439 is significantly below the national median of $74,755, reflecting limited local earning opportunities that offset the affordable housing.
New Hampshire's most affordable county
Coos County ranks as the state's most affordable by rent-to-income ratio at 17.3%, and its median rent ($843/month) undercuts every other New Hampshire county by 30% or more. This affordability comes with a trade-off: median incomes are 20% below the state average.
Dramatically cheaper than Grafton to the south
Coos County's $843/month rent runs 35% below Grafton County's $1,292/month, and home values ($169,600 median) are half Grafton's $298,500. The income gap is telling: Grafton residents earn 44% more, suggesting different job markets and economic structures between the counties.
Budget housing, constrained income picture
Renters pay just $843/month and homeowners $946/month, among the lowest absolute costs in the state, but median income of $58,439 limits household purchasing power. Housing consumes a reasonable 17.3% of income, but lower overall earnings mean less discretionary spending for other priorities.
Coos rewards remote workers and retirees
Coos County is unbeatable for affordability if you bring income from elsewhere—remote workers and retirees find exceptional value here. If you depend on local employment, explore the income constraints carefully; Grafton or Belknap counties offer better-paying job markets alongside moderate housing costs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Coos County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Coos County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $843/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Coos County is $843/month, while owner costs run $946/month. Renting saves approximately $103/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,543/year. With a median household income of $58,439, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Coos County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within New Hampshire, Coos County is less affordable than Sullivan County by roughly 27% ($843/mo vs $1,159/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Coos County
Rent Burden
17.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,364
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Coos County
Median home value is $169,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,354 vs. your max of $1,364.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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